Max Dowman could make Champions League history with Arsenal against Slavia Prague on Wednesday, despite missing an opportunity to break an even bigger record because of an injury last season.

According to a report by Football London on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, the 16-year-old is in contention to become Arsenal's youngest-ever Champions League starter when Mikel Arteta's side face the Czech outfit.

Dowman will be 16 years and 308 days old on Wednesday. Starting the encounter would see him surpass Cesc Fabregas, who currently holds the club record after making his first Champions League start against Panathinaikos on 20 October 2004, aged 17 years and 169 days.

The teenager is available for selection despite serving a three-match domestic suspension following his red card against Fleetwood Town.

His ban covers Arsenal's domestic fixtures against Liverpool, Hull City and Newcastle United but does not affect European competitions.

Dowman already holds the record as the youngest player to feature in the Champions League after making his debut against Slavia Prague last season at 15 years and 308 days.

He came off the bench to surpass the previous record held by Youssoufa Moukoko, who was 16 years and 18 days old when he made his appearance.

Arteta previously praised the youngster's confidence and ability to perform at the highest level despite his age.

"What he's done on the pitch, he comes in the first ball, he takes people on and starts to dribble, gets a foul," the Arsenal manager said.

"That's personality, that's courage, and you cannot teach that. You have it, or you don't, and it doesn't matter what his passport says; you throw him in this context, and he's able to adapt and have a good performance. I'm really happy with that."

However, Dowman will not become the Champions League's youngest-ever starter if selected against Slavia. That record belongs to Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who started against Porto aged 16 years and 83 days in 2023.

Dowman could have challenged Yamal's achievement last season but missed Arsenal's Champions League meeting with Kairat Almaty on 28 January because of an ankle injury sustained during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United. He would have been just 16 years and 28 days old.

Wednesday's encounter therefore offers Dowman another opportunity to make history as Arsenal continue to manage the development of one of their most promising young talents.